What is the Taber Wind Power Project?
ENMAX is constructing an 80 MW wind farm – enough to power over 32,000 homes – in Townships 8 and 9, Range 15 W4M within the Municipal District of Taber.  This site is about 20 km SE of the Town of Taber, Alberta.

Read the January news release.

Read the May news release.

Why did ENMAX choose this site?
The area has strong wind characteristics and ideal topography.  It is adjacent to an existing 138kV transmission line that has available capacity for the generation output.  Environmental, historical, noise, soil and vegetation studies were completed with no adverse impacts identified.

What type of technology will the Taber Wind Power Project use?
The Taber Wind Power generation facility will employ a technologically advanced wind turbine design supplied by ENERCON, a German manufacturer. ENERCON’s wind turbine generators (WTG’s) are unique in that they utilize a direct drive system and not a gearbox system as with other turbine manufacturers. The 37 ENERCON turbines will have a total power output of over 80 MW. By comparison, the McBride Lake Wind Farm, of which ENMAX is a 50% owner, consists of 114 turbines for a total power output of 75MW.

How does this project align with government climate change strategies?
Emission free wind power generation is one of the leading planks of the federal and provincial governments’ climate change strategies, and Alberta is the leading wind power province in Canada.

When is ENMAX’s Taber wind farm going to be built?
Construction of the wind farm began May 2006.  Initial work includes improving access roads and building a temporary facilities area and permanent substation area.  Once the facilities area and access roads are in place, the foundations for the 37 turbines will be excavated and concrete poured. The ENERCON turbines will arrive in late summer of 2006.  By early 2007, it is anticipated that all turbines will be commissioned and the wind farm will be fully operational.

Who is managing construction of the Taber Wind Power Project?
Hatch Optima has been engaged by ENMAX to provide engineering, construction and project management services for the Taber Wind Power project.  Based in Calgary, Hatch Optima, with it’s parent company, Hatch Ltd., has experience in over 50 wind farm developments and/or studies in Canada since the early 1980’s.

Is there an opportunity to provide services or materials to the Taber Wind Power project?
During 2006, Hatch Optima will be rewarding contracts to Southern Alberta businesses who will in turn subcontract for specific services in the supply of labour, materials, and equipment.  Local qualified businesses will be given equal opportunity to participate in the supply of these services.  For further information about this process, contact Ron Higson at 403-920-3247.

How can I found out more about the Taber Wind Power Project?
Call ENMAX, at 403-514-3456 or e-mail your questions to taberwind@enmax.com  Further updates will also be provided on enmax.com